FAQs - Fares

Why is CTDOT choosing to resume fare collection?  

The funding for the fare free bus program expires on March 31, 2023. Furthermore, Federal restrictions prevent the state from extending this suspension for any longer than 12 months. Thank you for riding with CTtransit.  

Can I use any passes that were purchased before the fare free began? 

  • If you purchased a pass (i.e., 31-day, 3-day, 5-day & 7-day) and it was activated, it has expired. Passes are active for the month or time period in which they are purchased. For example, if you purchased a 3-day, 5-day, 7-day or 31-day pass in February 2022 and began using it, the pass has expired. If you did not activate it in February 2022, it is still usable. 
  • If you purchased a 10-ride ticket and have not used all available rides, the pass is still usable. 
  • If you purchased a 2-hour or All-Day pass and it has NOT been activated, the pass is still usable. 

For CTfastrak riders please note, that passes purchased at the TVM are active upon completing your purchase.  Do not buy passes at the TVM if you are not using them for your immediate trip needs.

My previous account balance is missing from my Go CT Card.  How do I rectify this problem?

Please call Customer Service at 877-255-7433 and an Agent will research your concern regarding your account balance and any other issues you’re experiencing.

Am I eligible for reduced fare?

Senior citizens (65 years +) and persons with a qualifying disability can travel for a reduced fare at any time on CTtransit and all other bus systems operating under contract to the CTDOT. You must apply for the reduced fare via the Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID Card Application.  This application can be downloaded from the CTtransit website, mailed by request, or obtained at a CTtransit Sales Outlet.

Can I buy my pass before April 1st?

Individuals can buy tickets and passes before April 1st at a sales outlet, or online.  Buying your ticket or pass in advance of April 1st may improve your boarding experience after fares resume as you can avoid any delays at the farebox onboard the bus or at the sales outlet.

Where can I buy passes?

Downtown Hartford

CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet
State and Market Streets (Adjacent to the Old State House)

Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm
 

New Haven Green

CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet
On the New Haven Green (Chapel Street)

Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00AM to 3:00PM
 

Stamford Transportation Center

CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet 
Passageway from North State Street, Stewart B. McKinney Transportation Center

Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm
 

Online

Visit CTtransit.com to buy your passes/tickets, please allow 5-7 business days for delivery by first class mail of tickets ordered online.

Can I buy a ticket or pass at Stop & Shop?

  • You may purchase a 10-ride local ticket (regular and senior/disabled) and a 31-Day local pass (regular and senior/disabled).  
  • You may also purchase a 10-trip ADA-paratransit book.

How do I buy tickets for CTfastrak?

Tickets are available at vending machines located at each CTfastrak platform and at several bus stops in downtown Hartford on April 2, 2023.  Reminder: tickets purchased for use on CTfastrak may also be used on CTtransit service. 

Please note that CTfastrak operates as a proof of payment system where you purchase your fare prior to boarding the bus.  A fare inspector may board the bus and request you provide a valid fare, valid means that the ticket is current and being used appropriately.

Public Backed Service Expansions Now Underway!

New Bus Routes Available in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford

When the public talks, CT transit listens.

In March of this year, the Connecticut Department of Transportation implemented new bus routes, now serving communities in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford. These new bus routes will bolster connectivity and amplify coverage throughout central Connecticut.

“Public transit is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a lifeline that connects individuals to career opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to growth,” said General Manager of CT transit, Thomas Stringer. “A robust public transportation system is essential for driving economic impact and supporting local businesses.”

But wait, there’s more!

This service expansion is just the beginning of a series of upcoming expansions, totaling more than $18 million, proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and supported by local legislature. These new routes will provide greater access to a broader range of employment centers and career opportunities across the region, ultimately enhancing residents' career prospects and improving their quality of life.

 

“This major bus service expansion is the latest effort to connect customers with critical jobs, housing, and services while expanding opportunities for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)—allowing people to live and commute with ease,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “CTDOT is grateful for the support of Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly, which responded to customer needs by investing in the expansion of our transit system.”

These new routes were, in part, discovered through feedback from community members, frontline transit workers, and key government officials.

Public Service by the Numbers:

  • 4,300 community members surveyed online
  • 36 community events across Connecticut
  • 29 interviews with transit providers, councils of government, and transit district reps
  • 10 customer focus groups

CTDOT’s Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan team gathered this wealth of responses. Based on insights from those we serve, they lead the initiative to develop public transportation innovations throughout the state. This energized team will continue responding to the needs of the people—the customers and supporters of public transit—and propose new paths forward.

 

Pictured left to right: Samaia Hernandez, Alicia Leite, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Lisa Rivers, and Karen Kitsis.

“As Connecticut works to be a leader in delivering major new transit investments, including CTfastrak and CTrail Hartford Line, we recognize the support and input of our transit providers and customers across Connecticut,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Benjamin Limmer. “We look forward to launching new transportation services in communities across Connecticut in the months ahead.” 

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